Medication you have taken before you arrive in hospital

It's important that you bring all of your medicines into hospital with you, including those that you only take occasionally, so that we know exactly what you are taking and can continue this during your stay.

This information will also help us to ensure that you are on the appropriate treatment, and help us identify any potential problems related to your medication.

Other things to bring with you

  • Monitoring books for medicines, for example Warfarin or methotrexate
  • GP repeat prescription lists
  • Any recent hospital discharge letters
  • Copies of any medicine administration charts from nursing/care homes
  • Dosette boxes
  • Details of any monthly or annual medicines such as injections
  • Any eye/ear/nose drops
  • Inhalers (puffers)
  • Herbal/homeopathic medicines
  • Vitamins
  • Creams/ointments
  • Insulin
  • Injections
  • Medicated sprays
  • Medicated patches
  • 'Over-the-counter' or 'when required'/occasional use medicines you use

All items will remain your property; they will not be given to other patients.

When you go home

Any remaining medicines (that the doctors decide you should continue) will be returned to you when you're discharged.

We will also supply at least 14 days' supply of your regular medicines where possible, unless you have a sufficient supply at home.

Your pharmacist or nurse will explain everything you need to know about taking your medicines correctly.

Questions about your medication

So that you understand why you need medication, and how to take it, please consider asking your doctor, pharmacist and/or nurse:

  • Why do I need to take this medicine?
  • How do I take it?
  • What are the alternatives?
  • When should I take it?
  • How long do I need to take it for?
  • Can I take it with food?
  • What are the side effects?
  • Who should I contact if I get side effects?
  • Do I need any monitoring or follow-up?
  • What should I do when it runs out?

If you have any questions about your medicines when you leave hospital please phone the Pharmacy Patient Information Helpline - please see Inpatient pharmacy.

Tell us about your needs

We recognise that some people have a disability, sensory loss or impairment which means that they need some assistance with accessing our services, or with obtaining information about them.

If you require any assistance, please Tell us about your needs (please see below).